Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1735 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-10-16
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Cantonese Chinese, Czech, English, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 127 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
A box-office hit when released in 1994, this sprawling, frequently overwrought familial melodrama may get sillier as its plot progresses, but it's the kind of lusty, character-based epic that Hollywood should attempt more often. It's also an unabashedly flattering star vehicle for Brad Pitt as Tristan--the rebellious middle son of a fiercely independent Montana rancher and military veteran (Anthony Hopkins)--who is routinely at odds with his more responsible older brother, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and younger brother, Samuel (Henry Thomas). From the battlefields of World War I to his adventures as an oceangoing sailor, Tristan's life is full of personal torment, especially when he returns to Montana and finds himself competing with Alfred over Samuel's beautiful widow (Julia Ormond), whose passion for Tristan disrupts the already turbulent Ludlow clan. Under the wide-open canopy of Big Sky country, this operatic tale unfolds with all the bloodlust, tragedy, and scenery-chewing performances you'd expect to find in a hokey bestselling novel (in fact, it's based on the acclaimed novella by Jim Harrison), but it's a potent mix that's highly entertaining. Not surprisingly, John Toll won an Academy Award for his breathtaking outdoor cinematography. --Jeff Shannon

Special Features
1.85 Wide Screen
DVD 5
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital English
Dolby Digital
Cantonese\Czech\English\Hebrew\Hungarian\Italian\Polish\Russian

Synopsis
Director Edward Zwick's epic romance, set against the backdrop of WWI and the wide sky and rugged terrain of Montana, stars Anthony Hopkins as William Ludlow, an idealistic retired colonel who disapproves of the war and the army's indecent treatment of Native Americans. Abandoned by his blue-blooded wife, Ludlow raises his three sons in the remote foothills of Montana with the help of Native American friends. Before the war, Samuel (Henry Thomas) brings home his fiancee from the East Coast, Susannah (Julia Ormond), a stunning beauty who can ride, rope, and hunt like the Ludlow boys. When the war breaks out, Samuel, the youngest and most idealistic son, enlists in the army. Brothers Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Tristan (Brad Pitt) follow suit, more as protectors than as cohorts. Despite their best efforts, however, Samuel dies in battle. Upon returning home, Tristan becomes involved with Susannah, who is devastated by her loss but profoundly attracted to the brooding brother. However, tormented by his inability to save his little brother's life, Tristan abandons her and sets out on a long journey of self-discovery. During his absence, Alfred reveals his own passion for Susannah. Although she does not reciprocate his feelings, Susannah--who has despaired of ever seeing Tristan again--agrees to become his wife. Ultimately, Tristan does return, setting off a dangerous conflict between the brothers.

Customer Reviews

A True Classic...
This has got to be one of the best love stories I have ever seen. Heart-wrenching to say the least. Perfect cast, perfect look and a beatifully written storyline that doesn't allow you to leave it without that deep throb in your heart.

Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt have such a rapport and it's so pleasing to see them bouncing off eachother with their unique acting skills. You leave the film not believing that it wasn't real or at least based on a true story...the mark of a true classic!

Something I haven't seen mentioned here (forgive me if I'm wrong, of course) is the music in the film...the score is a masterpiece and some of the best classical music I have ever heard. It no doubt makes the movie what it is and it could not have been the same without it. If this is your thing then I also suggest buying the soundtrack - it takes you to so many places and is well worth having in your collection if you fancy a 'Ludlow' moment or just want to relax. It deserves to be heard on it's own as it raises so many feelings of your own - not just that of the film.

I hope this has been helpful. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to have found this movie - it's definitely a 'can't stop watching' film.

big country - big tale.....
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This is a big story, in big country set over several years, following the fortunes of a family from their rather isolationist existance in the wilds of Montana through the horrors of the First World War, to the bootleg Whiskey trade and political machinations of the late 20's.
Centered around the wild and uncompromising middle son, excellently played by Brad Pitt, the story tells how the Ludlow household (Colonel Ludlow, the 3 sons and the ranch hands) is changed by events around it, not least by the introduction of the gorgeous Susannah (Julia Ormand) who becomes the desirable widow of the youngest son.

The story is strong and emotive. You want the love affairs to turn out right, you want justice to be meted out to the villains and you want the family to re-unite at the end.

Frequently classified as a chick flick, this is actually a well told tale with plenty of interest for all.

Brad's best performance yet....
I would never get bored of this film. I have to say that the combination of actors was superb and I wouldn't cast it any other way. Aidan Quinn was inspirational as a man trapped in love. After marrying the woman he loves, he's stuck with the thought that she doesn't love him. Both him and Julia Ormond work beautifully together even though I hate her character for getting with every brother. Can't blame her for loving Brad though!

Brad and Anthony are always a good combination. 'Meet Joe Black' was a let down as far as their careers go. But here the duo are just damn cool. I love Brad and Anthony's eyes are so gorgeous! That's a little irrelavant I admit, but as an actor I think he is amazing. He raises his voice in the right places and creates tension that you could cut with a knife. When he banishes Adian from their ranch it is heart wrenching. He shows the most beautiful love for Brad as a father to a son that you could ever imagine in a film. Their relationshiop was believable and moving.

Brad is at his best here and I have to say it was probably one of the most challenging role he has played. With a character that grows and changes in such a dramatic way, I have never seen such a great performance. In addition to all of that he shows the most amazing emotion.

Fantastic film and I would tell everyone to watch it. I never realised I could feel such emotion when watching a film. I love this film and i couldn't fault it.